Hemorrhoid Treatment
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This information has been prepared to educate you about the state-of-the-art hemorrhoid treatment at Digestive Disease Center of the Hudson Valley. Please read the information carefully. If you have any questions, ask one of our highly trained medical personnel.
In America more than ten million people visit their doctor each year with symptoms of hemorrhoids. Three out of four develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. While many associate hemorrhoids with painful surgery, only a small percentage actually require surgery. Today, there are more comfortable office treatments available --- THESE TREATMENTS HAVE TAKEN THE FEAR OUT OF HEMORRHOID CARE.
What are Hemorrhoids and who gets them?
Hemorrhoids are swellings in the rectum or anal area that may protrude through the anus on straining. Hemorrhoids usually contain enlarged veins and are more common in people over age 50. No one knows for sure, but we believe hemorrhoids are often found in people who either sit and/or stand a lot, or those who have low fiber diet and/or poor bowel habits.
Are Hemorrhoids preventable?
No one knows for sure. Increasing fluid intake, diet rich in vegetables and high fiber diet can help. Avoiding straining and extensive sitting on the toilet will also help.
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus. The most common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are bleeding during bowel movement and/or protrusion through the anus upon straining. External hemorrhoids are those which develop around the anus. These can be extremely painful, especially if a blood clot develops within them. They are felt as a firm lump(s) around the anus.
Types of Hemorrhoids treatments
There are two widely used treatments for hemorrhoids -- Infrared Coagulation and Rubber Band Ligation.
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Infrared Coagulation (also known as IRC): This is the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is the preferred treatment. IRC is virtually problem-free, well-tolerated, and fast. During the treatment a small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This 'closes' the vein(s) above the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and recede. A brief sensation of heat is usually felt. ASPIRIN SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR A FEW DAYS FOLLOWING YOUR IRC.
- Rubber Band Ligation: Ligation is used to treat internal hemorrhoids. During this treatment a small rubber band is placed around the tissue above the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid tissue and the band slough off in a few days. The soreness soon heals. During this treatment mild discomfort and slight bleeding may occur. Digestive Disease Center of the Hudson Valley uses the CRH banding system. For additional information please click here.
How many visits are required for the treatment?
For patients who have more then one hemorrhoid, two to three treatments are required. Treatments are in two week intervals. During each treatment a different area is treated.
Will the Hemorrhoids return?
Millions of patients have been treated with IRC and banding. Experience has shown that once treated hemorrhoids generally do not recur.
REMEMBER:
Increasing fluids and fiber in your diet will decrease the likelihood of hemorrhoids. The increase in fluid intake and increase in the fiber will soften the stool, thereby promoting more regular bowel movements.
This information is intended to provide brief information on hemorrhoids. It is not intended to substitute for your physician.